Re: Re: EdMcMann on Larry King

[Guest guest]

Doug,

Read your post about Ed McMahon. I feel the same way.

Dear Mr. Hong,

I was so sorry to read of Mr. McMahon's recent problems with illness and

foreclosure. No one would wish that problem on anyone. As I understand it,

one

of the reasons for the lack of buyers of the property is that it is a

" stigma property " from the highly publicized mold problem of a few years back.

People all across the US have lost their homes to foreclosure from a mold

problem. This has been occurring even before the down turn in the market.

Unlike Mr. McMahon, many people have done battle with their homeowners insurer

for bad faith claims handling practices and improper mold remediation, yet have

not been able to receive multimillion dollar settlements or judgements. Many

have lost everything they own as they try to fight against a giant industry

with a solo practice attorney.

These cases are expensive to fight. They are complex litigation. The average

homeowner cannot afford to put on a strong case....unlike Mr. McMahon could

afford to do.

While I would never wish Mr. McMahon's current plight on anyone, I am also

aware Mr. McMahon took his multimillion dollar mold settlement and did

absolutely nothing to speak out and help others, less influential, who were

caught

in the same situation.

I find it difficult to have sympathy for man who understands that it is

devastating when you are ill and all you own is in jeopardy, who has been in a

position that he could have helped others going thru the same plight by speaking

out, who could have lobbied decision makers to help others and who is now

publicly portraying himself once again as a highly publicized victim of an

issue.

Something tells me that if he is able to work this out with Countrywide, no

one who is currently suffering foreclosure because of mold or illness or

downturn in the market, will benefit one iota, except Mr. McMahon.

I too live in California. I too had a botched remediation of my home. I too

had illness in my family. I too went thru the workout department of

Countrywide to address our mortgage. I too went thru litigation with our

insurer to

conclude with a favorable settlement. I too sold a mold stigma property at a

diminished, but acceptable value. I too could have selfishly walked away

from the issue that is so devastating to so many, because I got mine.

I chose a different path. Mr. McMahon, with his celebrity status, could have

made a real difference in the lives of many, had he chosen the same one. I

wish him the best in his dealing with Countrywide. I only wish that his

experiences and successes would help others, but I am not hopeful they will.

Sincerely,

Sharon Kramer

**************Get trade secrets for amazing burgers. Watch " Cooking with

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[Guest guest]

Ginny,

I HAVE A CONFIDENTIALITY AGREEMENT on my settlement! There is nothing that

the courts can do to limit one from being able to speak out about what they

know of illness caused by mold and the trauma families are experiencing from

the deceit over the matter. There are things I have never posted on this

board, and never will because of the agreement. But...that does not stop me,

nor

should it stop anyone else, from speaking out about the bigger issue. It is

your right as a US citizen.

Sharon K.

In a message dated 6/8/2008 6:07:32 A.M. Pacific Daylight Time,

ginloi@... writes:

Sharon ~

Thanks for the explanation of the " short sale " - most people,

including myself, until fairly recently did not understand what that

" term of art " means, but that was a simple and beautiful explanation.

I agree with you about the McMahon thing. It is surprising that the

news read that he was in a toxic mold home, and he had better and

quicker access to legal people, more than the average Joe. I am

surprised and disappointed that he did not use his " celebrity " status

to advance the knowledge base, and reach out to push the envelope

thought governmental channels.

The only thing that I can think of is that his " compensation " may have

included a deal where he would not go public about the mold. I hope

that this is the case. It would be a shame, not to mention the

" karma " thing not to give back to those who ended up with " less than

nothing " and no means to fight the system. Clearly, he had the tools

to fight.

I did not get initially why the program with Larry King was focused on

the " foreclosure " thing. His " celebrity " status was certainly in

place, there. How many people get to cry to Larry King that they were

foreclosed upon? After the first few minutes, I switched channels.

It impressed me as self-serving, with regard the foreclosure; if it

helps out a few people with this foreclosure nightmare, then he did do

some good.

But, not unlike yourself, it is disappointing the program was not used

to advance the problems and awareness of the mold issues. He did get

two bites at the apple. Once for mold, again for foreclosure.

**************Get trade secrets for amazing burgers. Watch " Cooking with

Tyler Florence " on AOL Food.

(http://food.aol.com/tyler-florence?video=4? & NCID=aolfod00030000000002)